Tuesday Acts 10:1-8

Cornelius is visited by an angel.

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Thirty miles north of Joppa on the coast, was the city of Caesarea. It was the Roman capital of Israel. It had been renovated by Herod the Great between 25 and 13 BC. He renamed the city Caesarea in honor of Augustus Caesar. The city had the first artificial harbor and had a 13 mile long aqueduct to provide fresh water.

There were 3000 Roman soldiers stationed in Caesarea. They were divided into five cohorts of 600 each. A Tribune commanded each cohort. Cornelius was part of the Italian Cohort. Six centurions each commanded one hundred soldiers. Cornelius was a centurion.

Cornelius believed in God. He was not a Jew, but believed in the God of the Jews. He was a “God fearer.” He believed, but did not practice the Jewish customs or practices. He was a Gentile.

An angel appeared to him while he was praying. The angel told him to send for Peter. Notice that the angel did not give Cornelius a reason to fetch Peter. He just said to go get Peter. Cornelius obeyed without question. Without knowing the rationale, he explained everything to his attendants and sent them to Joppa.

A couple of things to note: God revealed more to Cornelius while he was in prayer. It was not the first time he prayed. He was disciplined in prayer. We all should be disciplined in prayer. Also note that Cornelius obeyed without question.